Vagelos Institute's Biomedical Research Education PhD Programs

Coordinated Doctoral Programs in the Biomedical Sciences

Our current students are enrolled in programs that offer unparalleled opportunities to pursue cutting-edge research across a wide range of domains. These programs are closed to new students.

Biochemistry, Molecular Biophysics, and Structural Biology

This PhD program offers world-class structural biology research, rigorous core courses, lab rotations, exams, seminars, retreats, and career development support.

Cancer Biology

Columbia’s Cancer Biology PhD trains students in genetics, immunology, tumor biology, and systems approaches, with rotations, seminars, HICCC research, and career development support.

Cellular and Molecular Physiology & Biophysics

Columbia’s Physiology & Biophysics PhD provides training in physiology, molecular biology, and biophysics with rotations, qualifying exams, seminars, retreats, and optional cardiovascular research.

Genetics and Development

Columbia’s Genetics & Development PhD offers rigorous training in genetics, animal development, and experimental design, with courses, rotations, exams, seminars, and thesis research oversight.

Integrated Program in Cellular, Molecular and Biomedical Studies

Columbia’s CMBS PhD provides broad training in biochemistry, cell biology, and genetics, with lab rotations, electives, exams, seminars, retreats, and career development across biomedical sciences.

Microbiology and Immunology

Columbia’s Microbiology & Immunology PhD offers research in microbes, virology, malaria, and immune biology, with core courses, rotations, exams, seminars, retreats, and thesis-focused training.

Molecular Pharmacology and Therapeutics

Columbia’s Molecular Pharmacology & Therapeutics PhD combines courses, rotations, and journal clubs to train in drug mechanisms and systems pharmacology, culminating in thesis research.

Nutritional and Metabolic Biology

Columbia’s Nutritional & Metabolic Biology PhD trains scientists in nutrition, metabolism, and disease with coursework, lab rotations, electives, qualifying exams, DRAC oversight, and thesis defense.

Pathobiology and Mechanisms of Disease

Columbia’s Pathobiology & Mechanisms of Disease PhD trains students in disease biology from bench to clinic, with coursework, rotations, exams, thesis research, and focus on translational impact.

Systems Biology

Columbia’s Systems Biology PhD applies computational and mathematical methods to biology, with core courses, rotations, exams, seminars, retreats, and interdisciplinary thesis research.

Stem Cell Biology

Columbia’s Stem Cell Biology PhD trains students in stem cell biology and regenerative medicine through core courses, rotations, seminars, electives, thesis research, retreats, and career development.